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UPDATE: ‘The heat & smoke were overwhelming’- Eyewitness to fire at Pirates

-Exclusive! Eyewitness was on the scene in boat at sea when fire erupted at Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar & Gift Shop on Norman Island [some of first photos of fire displayed]
Eyewitness photo of the fire at Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar & Gift Shop on Norman Island. Photo: Team of Reporters
The eyewitness told this news site he was on his way into Bight Bay on Norman Island, but a few feet out he and his guests heard loud popping sounds and noticed smoke coming from the Pirates Restaurant close to the bay. Photo: Team of Reporters
The eyewitness told this news site he was on his way into Bight Bay on Norman Island, but a few feet out he and his guests heard loud popping sounds and noticed smoke coming from the Pirates Restaurant close to the bay. Photo: Team of Reporters
He noticed that the restaurant was on fire and the heat and smoke became overwhelming so he had to turn back and stay many feet out in the bay close to Willie T. Photo: Team of Reporters
He noticed that the restaurant was on fire and the heat and smoke became overwhelming so he had to turn back and stay many feet out in the bay close to Willie T. Photo: Team of Reporters
The eyewitness told our newsroom that he was also happy that no one was injured in the fire and it is sad as the restaurant was getting ready to open for the winter season. Photo: Team of Reporters
The eyewitness told our newsroom that he was also happy that no one was injured in the fire and it is sad as the restaurant was getting ready to open for the winter season. Photo: Team of Reporters
The destruction of the Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar and Gift Shop on Norman Island by fire earlier today, October 1, 2013 will leave a void for visitors to the territory for the winter ahead, said Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
The destruction of the Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar and Gift Shop on Norman Island by fire earlier today, October 1, 2013 will leave a void for visitors to the territory for the winter ahead, said Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File
An early morning fire today, Tuesday October 1, 2013 destroyed the popular Pirates Bight restaurant and bar on Norman Island. Photo: piratesbight.com
An early morning fire today, Tuesday October 1, 2013 destroyed the popular Pirates Bight restaurant and bar on Norman Island. Photo: piratesbight.com
According to reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online, no one was injured but the restaurant and bar establishment was severely damaged. Photo: piratesbight.com
According to reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online, no one was injured but the restaurant and bar establishment was severely damaged. Photo: piratesbight.com
BIGHT BAY, Norman Island, VI - An eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous sat down exclusively a few moments ago October 2, 2013 with Virgin Islands News Online and told our news room that he was one of the first to see when the fire started on Norman Island.

The gentleman who told us he is a boat captain and does sailing tours daily in that area, said he was on his boat near Norman Island on the morning of Tuesday, October 1, 2013 with two guests on their honeymoon.

He reported that one of the guests told him they were smelling smoke around 7:00 AM which resulted in him doing a full search of his boat. He told this news site he was on his way into Bight Bay on Norman Island, but a few feet out he and his guests heard loud popping sounds and noticed smoke coming from the Pirates Restaurant close to the bay.

He suddenly noticed that the restaurant was on fire and the heat and smoke became overwhelming so he had to turn back and stay many feet out in the bay close to Willie T.

The eyewitness told us that he believed the popping sounds came from rum bottles in the refrigerator that burst as a result of the extreme heat. He admitted that the smell of the fire fumes was also extremely overwhelming.

He also related that the smoke was too much and could have been seen from miles away. The eyewitness told our newsroom that he was also happy that no one was injured in the fire and it is sad as the restaurant was getting ready to open for the winter season.

To date the cause of the fire that destroyed the entire Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar and Gift Shop on Norman Island and burnt it to the ground is still unknown as of October 2, 2013.

Norman Island is located at the southern tip of the Virgin Islands archipelago. It is reputed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's pirate novel Treasure Island.

See previous story posted October 1, 2013:

UPDATE: Pirates Bight's fire leaves void for tourists for winter ahead- Premier Smith

- Said destruction of popular establishment will leave a void for visitors for the winter ahead

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The destruction of the Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar and Gift Shop on Norman Island by fire earlier today, October 1, 2013 will leave a void for visitors to the territory for the winter ahead, said Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.

According to reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online, no one was injured in the blaze but the establishment was severely damaged.

Premier Smith said he was saddened by the reports of the fire that destroyed the restaurant that has become a leading eatery for residents and visitors alike, especially water-based visitors.

"It will definitely leave a void for our visitors for the winter ahead, but I am confident that the establishment will rise above this misfortune and reopen its doors to serve residents and visitors once again," Premier Smith said in a statement issued by Government Information Service (GIS).

"My Government is asking the Territory to join us as we pray God’s blessings on the establishment and its many employees during this period of unexpected challenge and transition," he stated in the release.

See previous article posted October 1, 2013

Fire razes popular restaurant on Norman Island

-Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar & Gift Shop destroyed

An early morning fire today, Tuesday October 1, 2013 destroyed the popular Pirates Bight restaurant and bar on Norman Island.

According to reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online, no one was injured but the establishment was severely damaged.

Chief Fire Officer, Zebalon McLean confirmed the incident to Virgin Islands News Online when contacted. He said the Department of Fire Services received the call about the fire at 7:18 A.M.

“My guys are out there doing the investigations right now,” Mr McLean stated and added he could not release any further details until he was in receipt of an official report from the investigating team on Norman Island.

27 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘The heat & smoke were overwhelming’- Eyewitness to fire at Pirates”

  • ... (01/10/2013, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    on no
  • St. John (01/10/2013, 13:23) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    one of our favorite stops so sorry to here
  • bad mind (01/10/2013, 13:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope its not arson!!!
  • hmmmmmm (01/10/2013, 13:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Depending on the fire and rescue is a joke boss by the time they reach Norman Island the place done burned already
  • farmer brown (01/10/2013, 14:15) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Jerricky got lots of $$$$ why worry?
    • visitor for 15 years (02/10/2013, 06:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I remember the days I will have my cocktails there then get drunk at Willie T…it would be surly missed.
  • wtf? (01/10/2013, 14:26) Like (7) Dislike (23) Reply
    all kids of bad thing happening under this ndp government.... its a sign that they must go.
    • Grumpy (05/10/2013, 15:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea, ndp caused floods in Oklahoma too.
    • stupid (08/10/2013, 22:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      U idiot. Npd burn the the restaurant? Tortola people always blaming the government. They can't solve your problems work together n solve them ur damn self. Every damn thing is ndp ndp. Shut up!!!
  • Sunny (01/10/2013, 14:42) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hope NDP does not now build a fire station at Norman Island because of who owns the island!!
  • strange things are happening (01/10/2013, 14:54) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bronson was last year now this year its jeracki?? strange!!!
  • dudeska (01/10/2013, 15:21) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sad comments here,no compassion left in your hearts because you have become animals who only care about yourselves,sad its a lost world.
  • Ying! (01/10/2013, 17:06) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Couple years ago when the moorings down he was the chief minister how come he never said this? Doc you have lost my vote again I can see right though you now
  • deep blue sea (01/10/2013, 18:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    if that is true that is deep
  • Fan (01/10/2013, 19:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what a lost
  • lil man (01/10/2013, 21:56) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    fires all over the country and you never heard a pep from Dr. Smith now its his boy Jericky so he makes a statement now here is another example of who they are looking out for...certianly not the little man
  • police (01/10/2013, 22:31) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply
    From necker now to norman? is Peter island going be next?
  • Jane (02/10/2013, 07:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on people - they were preparing to reopen for the season so is it not possible that repowering equipment may have caused an electrical fire? Or maybe it was something as simple as a piece of equipment being left on. Why all the conspiracy theories? Necker was hit by lightening during a Tropical Storm 2 years ago! Can't make the connection here - except that Sunday was the also the day construction of the new Necker Great House was officially finished...
  • pain (02/10/2013, 11:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    whats happening to or great little nation ndp aint doing the right thing down hill again it should be law all those of island places with those billionares should have fire service hubs paid for by them come on lets put or people to work we miss uncle Lavi no more vision for our country lord send help.........
  • What a ting to tell the king (02/10/2013, 22:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The big question if this is not an accident is Who stands to gain if Pirates is burnt down??? Ahhhh I wonder I have to think about this one...
  • man down (03/10/2013, 06:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO one thing you always got the inside scoop and the good detail stuff...nice pic too!
  • west end police officer (03/10/2013, 15:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    gone job as always vino
  • fish (03/10/2013, 22:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    .......zzzzzzzzzz

  • @ west end police officer (04/10/2013, 15:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the word is "good"


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